by Malcolm Butler
Even when Derek Dooley was serving in the dual role as the Louisiana Tech football coach and AD, he had some politician in him.
Now, he is officially taking his stab in the world of politics as he announced his decision to run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2026. Dooley will run as a Republican against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff.
Rumors have been floating around for a few months and Dooley put those to rest on Monday when he made is official announcement of his plan.
Never at a loss for words, Dooley, 57, announced his decision without mincing words.
“Professional politicians like Jon Ossoff are the problem,” Dooley said in a video announcing his decision. “Lawlessness, open season on the border, inflation everywhere, woke stuff, that’s what they represent. We need new leadership in Georgia. That’s why I’m running for Senate.”
Dooley, the son of the late legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley and a lawyer before entering the coaching profession, served as the head football coach at Louisiana Tech from 2007 through 2009, leading the Bulldogs to the 2008 Independence Bowl. He was then hired by the University of Tennessee following the 2009 season where he coached the Vols for three seasons.
He served as a position coach for the Dallas Cowboys (2013-17) and New York Giants (2020-21) and the OC at Missouri (2018-19).
